Have you been thinking about adopting or purchasing a puppy? If so, there are many different factors which you need to take into consideration. Whether you live by yourself or have children, it is important to make sure that the puppy that you select is the most suitable for your family and lifestyle. Here are some of the different factors that you should think about.

Size

One of the main factors that you should be sure to take into consideration is the size that the dog will grow to be. Many factors can determine what size is right for you. If you live in a small apartment, you will probably want a smaller dog. A large backyard will be spacious enough for a larger sized dog. Also be sure to consider if you have any children, as a larger dog will be more likely to knock them over.

Hair

The amount and type of hair that a dog has is another one of the factors which you may want to think about before selecting a particular breed. If you do not have the time to constantly vacuum the house, a dog that does not shed is probably ideal. Also keep in mind that while there is no such thing as a dog that is entirely hypoallergenic, certain breeds like poodles are not known to irritate allergy sufferers quite so much. Many people opt for mixed breeds which have been bred with poodles, such as Labradoodles or Cockapoos.

Exercise

The amount of exercise that a dog requires varies according to breed. Certain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, require a lot of exercise from their owners. Other breeds, such as Bulldogs, are more laid back and prefer to lay around. Keep in mind that the exercise level of a dog will depend on a few factors, such as your own athletic abilities and the amount of time that you have to walk a dog.

Temperament

Keep in mind that there is good and bad in every specific breed of dog. However, certain breeds are known for notable personality traits. Certain breeds of dogs are known to generally be friendly to anyone, while other breeds prefer to be loyal to only one person. Be sure to research this before choosing a dog breed. Also keep in mind that the temperament of the dog’s parents are often a good indicator of what the dog’s temperament will be like.

Size, hair, exercise and temperament are just a few of the many different factors that should go into choosing a puppy. While the decision is yours, the most important thing is to do your research before making the decision to add a dog to your family.